Southwark Soundboard: reflections report

Healthwatch Southwark undertook research on local residents’ views of health and social care services through its Soundboard Listening Tour in summer 2024. They engaged with 139 people through six community pop-up events and an online survey, exceeding their target of 60 participants. The tour focused on building relationships with local communities, particularly groups whose voices are less often heard, while gathering feedback on local services and priorities. 

Residents identified a range of concerns affecting health and wellbeing, including access to health and social care services, wider social issues and gaps in local support. The tour also helped connect people with local organisations and services, with attendees valuing face-to-face conversations, tailored signposting and the opportunity to discuss concerns directly with professionals. During the events, 62 residents received Vital 5 health checks, with several people identified as needing follow-up support from their GP or specialist services. 

The report found that people were more willing to share their experiences when approached in familiar community settings by staff and volunteers who took time to listen. Healthwatch also highlighted the benefits of working alongside local organisations, raising awareness of available support and helping residents access information and services they may not have known about. Challenges included reaching Southwark residents in areas with high numbers of visitors, varying footfall between venues and difficulties promoting engagement through traditional survey methods alone. 

Healthwatch Southwark concluded that bringing services into community spaces is an effective way of engaging residents and identifying local priorities. The organisation plans to use the findings to identify future research priorities, strengthen community partnerships and advocate for improvements to health and social care services based on the issues raised during the tour.